THE NRHS girls’ track and field team is looking forward to another strong season. (Courtesy Photo)
BOSTON — The NRHS girls’ indoor track and field team suffered its first defeat since 2021 losing to the Newburyport Clippers 63-37. Having gone undefeated in the Cape Ann League for three seasons in a row (2022,2023 and 2024) the Hornets were the three-time defending champions leading up to their first meet on Dec. 14 at the Track at New Balance but the Clippers were certainly the stronger team on that day and now look to be the favorites for winning the league title in the Cape Ann League Baker Division which is made up of North Reading, Newburyport, Essex Tech, Pentucket and Triton.
The Hornets had seven state qualifiers despite the loss, which is promising considering the team had only 11 days of practices leading up to their first meet. Giuliana Ligor was a triple winner taking the 55 Meters (7.40 seconds), the 300 Meters (42.96) and the 600 Meters (1:42.22).
Callie MacLellan took both the High Jump (5’ 0”) and Long Jump (16’ 6.25”) and was second in the 55 Meter Hurdles (9.05 seconds).
Giuliana Auciello picked up second in the High Jump (4’ 10”) while Katie Zimmerman picked up second in the Long Jump (15’ 2.5”).
THE CAPTAINS are ready to lead the NRHS indoor track team. Pictured from left to right is Isabelle Lazure, Callie MacLellan, Giuliana Ligor, Ava Collins and Hayden MacLellan. (Courtesy Photo)
Rounding out the state qualifying marks were Quinlan Kelly in the 1000 Meters (3:25.17) for third, Adelyn Kelly in the Two Mile (13:22.71) for third, followed closely by Riley MacDonald (13:22.91). Maria Karafilidis added an additional third place finish in the Shot Put (23’ 9”).
Also competing in the meet were Sophia Boudoya (300m = 57.34), Isabelle Lazure (300m = 49.19), Julia Scammon (55m = 8.27 and Shot Put = 19’0”), Auciello (55H = 10.37), Miriana Bornstein (Shot Put = 20’ 11.5”), Abigail Meier (600m = 1:56.00), Zimmerman (55m = 8.17), Kathryn Attwood (One Mile = 6:46.53), Madison Forbush (55m = 8.34), Avery Keller (55H = 11.59), Brooke Keller (55H = 13.03), Adelyn Kelly (One Mile= 6.12.09), Annika Molla (300m = 52.70 and Shot Put = 18’ 10.5”), Julia Petrosino (Long Jump = 13’ .5”) Madelyn Favuzza (High Jump = 4’ 6” and 300m = 51.06) and Maya Grossi (300m = 51.73).
With a smaller team of only 25 total athletes, the Hornets have their work cut out for them as they prepare for the team championship meets later in January and February but captains Ava Collins, Isabelle Lazure, Giuliana Ligor, Callie MacLellan and Hayden MacLellan are certainly up for the challenge.
The Hornets’ next meet will be held on Jan. 7 back at the Track at New Balance from 5-9 p.m. Come to Boston and cheer on both the boys and girls team as they compete against Triton.
